A SYSTEM FOR MOVING AND STABILISING A MOBILE BASE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention concerns the technical sector relative to apparatus and devices for automated handling of objects.

[0002] In particular, the invention concerns a system for handling and stabilising a mobile base, for example designed to serve as a platform for a robotic unit for handling and transferring objects.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] It is known that the handling of objects in industrial, logistics, and automated vending fields is generally managed by computerised systems for receiving/storing and retrieving/dispensing (ASR - automatic storage and retrieval) systems which, among other things, comprise robotic units for handling objects.

[0004] In large or medium-sized systems these units can be mounted on self-propelled bases; in small-sized systems they can be made mobile by means of arms which are controlled throughout different degrees of freedom, or other known controlled movement modalities. Various types of automatic dispenser designed for vending and renting objects of generally small dimensions (pharmaceuticals, snacks, video cassettes, DVDs and the like) belong to the category of ASR systems for small-sized objects.

[0005] There are two main known techniques for moving and piloting robotic units for handling and conveying, which are mounted on self-propelled bases. The first consists of making the units follow predetermined trajectories which a processor controlling the unit recognises by means of suitable sensors that are capable of detecting a signal produced by a guide arranged on the floor, or embedded in it. The signal can for example be of an optical type, and in this case the guide consists of a line obtained with particularly reflective paint; or of an electric type, in which case the corresponding guide consists of a conducting cable embedded in the floor, or of a strip of conductive material arranged on the floor surface.

[0006] The bases are provided with drive wheels and stabiliser devices. Operation of the drive wheels is in general precisely controllable by the unit processor, which can command synchronous rotation to obtain rectilinear motion, differentiated motion to achieve curved trajectories, or, if required, counter-rotation to enable the unit to rotate about its own vertical axis. Position stabilisers are usually constituted by pivoting, and possibly shock-absorbing, wheels.

[0007] Controlling these robotic units is a particularly complex and expensive task to achieve, and their positioning may possibly not be sufficiently precise when objects of very small dimensions must be identified, handled and repositioned.

[0008] Another known technique for piloting robotic handling and conveying units makes use of predetermined trajectories constituted by tracks which are constrained to the floor. In this case, the base of the unit is guided by the tracks and control over movements is limited to adjusting the speed and defining the direction of the movement.

[0009] Units of this type are however obliged to follow the trajectories defined by the tracks. Access to storage locations which are arranged facing each other requires the handling organs to be capable of operating on either side of the locations, for example using telescopic small forks or belts, or at least to be provided with a rotating base, capable of orienting the handling organs relative to the direction of the tracks. All of the aforesaid entails a high level of complexity for the mechanical organs of the robotic unit, with a consequent increase in production costs. Further, to obtain changes of direction of the robotic unit, curved guide elements having a curve radius of 3-4 metres may be used. This also increases the space which cannot be used for storing the objects.

[0010] Document DE 31 15 479 discloses a transfer arrangement for a rack-loading appliance wherein the rack-loading appliance travels out of a rack aisle onto a turning rail which is arranged in a transfer aisle and is turned about a perpendicular axis for moving the rack-loading appliance along the rack aisle. The rack-loading appliance travels over further turning rails up to the desired rack aisle, where it is again turned for entry into the latter. The turning rail is driven by the travel motor of the rack-loading appliance by means of a pressure-transfer roller mounted thereon, which in the area of the turning rail interacts with a fixed pressure-transfer rail like a connecting-link guide. When the rack-loading appliance crosses the turning rail, the pressure-transfer roller passes into an angled area b of the pressure-transfer rail and in the process exerts a lateral pressure on the rack-loading appliance, which as a result is turned with the turning rail. The rack-loading appliance continues to travel on the turning rail even during the turning.

[0011] Document EP 0 458 722 describes a system and apparatus for handling and moving boxes, containers or the like from one place to another inside a factory or a warehouse, following instructions that can be provided by an internal or external computer. The apparatus includes basically an autoguided vehicle, a manipulator with a clamp specifically designed for controlled handling of containers, the necessary means to control them and a communication system, either to an external computer or to operators. When applied in a factory, a set of apparatus like this one of the invention, communicated with the proper control center, could automate the transport operations and the internal management of the warehouse or/and workshop, if the product object of manufacturing and/or storage operations can be transported in or like the containers compatible with the apparatus. Document EP 0 276 651 discloses a robot which serves automatically a plurality of machines for winding any kind of wires or yarns. This robot is mounted on a wire-guided and/or radio-controlled carriage; it can run on a normal floor and may serve the winding machines B and the spool-supplying and collecting magazines, regardless of their relative positions. When cooperating with the winding machines B, the robot-mounting carriage will move into the correct position with respect to the winding machine to be served, and then will stop. The removal of a filled spool and insertion of an empty spool are effected by slides which are associated with supporting brackets, of said robot. The robot is provided with an electro-mechanical programmer which controls the lifting movement of the assembly of said brackets, for adjusting their positions to the level of the lower side of the spools of different diameters in the winding machines. The programmer is associated with the bracket-carrying structure of the robot, which may be controlled to rotate about its vertical axis, whereby said rotation can occur with the brackets in their upper position, thus reducing the working time of the robot.

[0012] The aim of this invention is to provide a system for moving and stabilising a mobile base of a robotic unit which enables the unit to move easily in the corridors between the shelving, to rotate around itself and also to move between different branches of the storage structure.

[0013] A further aim of the invention is to provide a system for moving and stabilising, which enables complex and modular storage structures to be constructed.

[0014] A further aim of the invention is to stabilise the robotic unit effectively when it has to stop in order to perform precise operations for recognising spaces or objects, and for handling the objects.

[0015] A still further aim of the invention is to provide a system for moving and stabilising which enables various robotic units to coexist in the same storage structure.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0016] The aforementioned aims are entirely achieved by a system according to claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] As will become clear from the claims, the characteristics of the invention are highlighted in the following detailed description, with reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which:

• figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automated vending system comprising the device for identifying, collecting and repositioning objects which implements the method of the invention;
• figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile handling and conveying unit which is a part of the system of figure 1, and which incorporates the device for identifying, collecting and repositioning objects;
• figure 3 illustrates a partially cutaway perspective view of a finger of the mobile gripper device belonging to the identifying device;
• figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the finger of figure 3, viewed from another angle;
• figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the finger of figure 3.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] In figure 1, the number 100 refers to a mobile robotic unit for handling and conveying a plurality of objects, for example in an automated shop 200 or in an automated warehouse. The handling unit 100 comprises a mobile base 10, provided with a platform 11 which supports organs 110 for recognising and handling the objects.

[0019] The structure of the organs 110 constitutes the subject of separate patent protection, and is described in detail in a corresponding patent application in the name of the same Applicant.

[0020] The vending unit 200 incorporates a system 1 for moving and stabilising the mobile base 10, which system is implemented according to this invention As an example, reference will be made herein below to the use of the moving system 1 in an automated shop 200. Figure 1 illustrates a possible configuration of the shop, which is constituted by a unit 210 for receiving and dispensing the objects, by a plurality of storage units 201 formed by shelving 220, which is suitably arranged on the basis of the available space and the possibilities for moving the handling and conveying unit 100, and by the moving and stabilising system 1, which extends longitudinally in relation to the extension of the shelving 220. The example of configuration shown in figure 1 is intentionally rather basic, but the structure of the shelving 220, and consequently of the system for moving 1, can be much more complex and articulated, extending to a number of rows which may be parallel to, or divergent from, one other, or may extend in a grid fashion, according to the size and layout of the premises where they are installed.

[0021] The shelving 220 provides support surfaces 2 for the objects which define a series of housings of different heights, which optimally receive objects having different bulk, rigidity and weight.

[0022] The handling and conveying unit 100 (see also figure 2) comprises a mobile, self-stabilising base 10 which is controlled by a computer which allows the unit 100 to access all the support surfaces 2 of the shop and the receiving and dispensing unit 210.

[0023] The position of the objects on the relative support surfaces 2, together with general positional information about the objects and management strategies for stocking the shop and selling the objects, are managed by an external processor using substantially known techniques and modalities, which however go beyond the scope of this invention.

[0024] The system 1 comprises, in particular, one or more modular linear guide elements 5, which are fixedly mounted on a support surface 202 of the shop 200, for example the floor. The guide element 5 is designed to guide the mobile base 10 along an operating trajectory concerning the storage units 201, on command of a central processor through a local computerised control unit. In figure 1, a single guide element 5 is shown, as the shop 200 floor plan represented is simple.

[0025] Each guide element 5 comprises a structural plane 51 (see figures 2 and 3) which extends longitudinally, is arranged resting on the floor 202, and provides a substantially level movement surface for the mobile base 10.

[0026] The structural plane 51 in turn comprises an upper layer 51 a made of sheet metal, and a lower layer 52 made of a compressible polymer material having a high friction coefficient. In particular, the lower layer 52 is preferably constituted by two layers of polymer material having different characteristics. An inner layer, which is in contact with the upper layer 51, is less compressible and is better suited to supporting concentrated loads, while an outer layer is more compressible and has a higher friction coefficient, and further, compensates for anomalies in the planarity of the floor 202 upon which it rests.

[0027] The structural plane 51 further comprises a pair of rolling tracks 53, which are arranged longitudinally at the sides of the structural plane 51, and are made with reinforced metallic material to perform functions which will become clear later in the description.

[0028] The linear guide element 5 further comprises a monorail profile 55, constrained longitudinally to the structural plane 51 and designed to guide the mobile base 10 in a movement direction thereof. The monorail guide 55, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is made using a metal section bar having a quadrangular cross-section, and is centrally arranged on the structural plane 51.

[0029] The upper surface of the monorail guide 55 supports a linear power supply distributor 56, which supplies electric power to the mobile base 10. This distributor 56, which is preferably of a substantially known type having drag brushes, supplies power continuously and efficiently.

[0030] The system 1 further comprises one or more rotatable shunting elements 6 (see figure 4), which are also arranged resting on the floor 202 and reciprocally connect two or more of the linear guide elements 5 described above. They provide guiding continuity for the mobile base 10, which can engage with them after having left the linear guide elements 5, in order then to be shunted towards another guide element 5, or to be rotated by 180°, and subsequently return to the original guide element 5 oriented facing a shelving located on the opposite side to the guide element 5.

[0031] On command of the control processor, the shunting element 6 rotates, whether it is empty or carrying the mobile base 10. Each shunting element 6 comprises a segment of monorail profile 61 mounted rotatably around a central hub 62 on a portion of structural plane 67, which structural plane 67 is arranged resting on the floor 202.

[0032] The portion of structural plane 67 is provided by a shaped plate of suitably thick sheet metal which, constrained to its surface facing the floor 202, bears a lower layer 67 made of compressible polymer material with a high friction coefficient. In particular, the lower layer can be made like the lower layer of the structural plane 52 of the above-described linear guide element 5.

[0033] The segment of monorail profile 61 also exhibits a hollow, quadrangular cross-section. Within the monorail profile 61 a gear reducer group 63 is provided, which is mechanically linked to the hub 62 by means of a crown wheel and pinion group, designed to make the monorail profile 61 rotate on the hub 62. In particular, as the following description will make clear, the gear reducer group 63 rotates the monorail segment 62 when the monorail segment 62 is free, that is when the handling unit 100 is not engaged with it; such rotations become necessary, for example, in order to vary the connections between different linear guide elements 5 leading to the same shunting element 6. If a handling unit is engaged to the shunting element 6, and needs to rotate for any reason, it will preferably do so using its own means, as the rest of the description will make clear.

[0034] The gear reducer 63 is also provided with a positional control device, which is not illustrated since it is of known type, for example an encoder connected to the control processor of the handling unit and/or the external management processor of the entire structure, in order to inform the processors about the exact angular position assumed by the monorail segment 62. This is particularly important when the handling unit is engaged in rotating the shunting element 6. In this case, thanks to the information received from the positional control device of the gear reducer 63, it can at any time be aware of its own angulation with respect to all the linear guide elements leading to the shunting element 6.

[0035] Further, at the upper surface of the monorail profile 61, a segment 64 of linear power supply distributor is provided, which provides power to the mobile base when the mobile base is engaged with the shunting element 6, and disengaged from the linear guide elements 5. The distributor segment 64 is shaped exactly like the distributor 56 provided in the linear guide element 5, and is continuous with the linear guide element 5 when the shunting element 6 is aligned there-with.

[0036] At the ends of the segment of monorail profile 61, a pair of sliding ball-bearing groups 65 is mounted, which are arranged with the balls in contact with the floor 202, and which are designed to support the profile 61 and facilitate its movements of rotation.

[0037] An electromagnetic bolt 66 is also provided inside the monorail profile, which bolt 66 is electrically connected to the control unit and can be activated by the control unit to engage, when the profile 61 is in predetermined operating positions, in corresponding holes 66a which are afforded in the portion of structural plane 67.

[0038] The system 1 further comprises drive and positional control organs 20 of the mobile base 10 which are arranged in the lower part of the mobile base 10 and lead the mobile base 10 on the operating trajectories along the guide elements 5 and shunting elements 6.

[0039] In particular, the drive and positional control organs comprise a pair of drive wheels 21, mounted on the lower part of the mobile base 10 in symmetrical positions with respect to the axis of rotation of the mobile base. The drive wheels 21 are powered independently of each other by means of position-and torque-controlled motors, for example brushless motors, controlled in a known way by the control unit. Therefore the drive wheels 21 can be activated in the same direction and at the same speed, in either direction, to move the mobile base 10 forwards or backwards; they can be operated in opposite directions to enable the base 10 to rotate about its own axis, for example when the mobile base 10 is on a shunting element 6; or they can be operated with minimal speed differences to control the exact position of the base 10 and compensate for any deviations from the optimal advancement position.

[0040] The optimal position is defined by position control organs, comprising two pairs of guide wheels 23 and sensor means 25.

[0041] The guide wheels 23 are rotatably mounted in pairs on the lower part of the mobile base 10, and are horizontal and idle on respective supports 24, which extend downwardly from the lower surface of the mobile base 10. The guide wheels 23 are arranged on opposite sides of the monorail profile 55, and rest against the lateral surfaces of the monorail profile 55. The two pairs of guide wheels 23 are conveniently arranged at a distance from each other, respectively in the front part and rear part of the base 10 and aligned with the monorail profile 55, in such a way that they keep the base 10 substantially aligned with the monorail profile 55.

[0042] The sensor means 25 detect any deviations in the position of the mobile base 10 from the optimal position of alignment with the monorail profile 55.

[0043] Preferably, for each guide wheel 23, the sensor means 25 comprise an extensometer which detects the load of the guide wheels 23 on the monorail profile 55, by measuring the deformation of the support 24 of the guide wheels. This enables the control unit of the mobile base 10 to correct deviations from the ideal trajectory, simply by modifying the speed of each of the drive wheels in order to minimise the angular error of the trajectory. This enables all the mechanical parts of the mobile base 10 to be advantageously designed with dimensional tolerances that are not particularly tight, thus containing design and production costs.

[0044] Further sensors of the photoelectric, laser or other type can be provided to contribute in a known way to better defining the deviations of the base 10 from the optimal position thereof, thus enabling the control unit to compensate for them by acting on the drive wheels 21.

[0045] At the corners of the mobile base 10 the system 1 exhibits stabiliser organs 30, designed to stabilise the position of the mobile base 10 during the operations of recognising and handling objects which the robotic unit 100 performs.

[0046] The stabiliser organs 30 are constituted by four lockable feet with ball bearings s arranged on the lower part of the mobile base 10, at the corners thereof.

[0047] Each ball bearing lockable foot 30 (see also figure 5) consists of an internally hollow body 31 of a substantially cylindrical shape, which is provided in its upper part with a flange 32 which enables it to be constrained to the lower surface of the mobile base 10.

[0048] Within the body 31, a cylindrically symmetrical mobile block 33 is provided, the lower part of which affords a semi-spherical cavity 34. The semi-spherical cavity 34 receives a support sphere 35 of large dimensions, which rolls within the cavity 34 with the interposition of a plurality of small-diameter rolling balls 36. Further, projecting elements 34a are provided in the internal mobile block 33, which prevent the rolling balls from escaping from the cavity 34. The upper part of the mobile block 33 is internally hollow.

[0049] A cylindrically symmetric internal block 37, which is mounted coaxial with the body 31 and with the mobile block 33, is constrained to the upper part of the body 31. The lower part of the fixed internal block 37 is slidingly inserted in the hollow upper part 36a of the mobile block 33, thus defining a compensation chamber 40 having variable volume. The fixed block 37 further affords a through axial conduit 39 which opens into the compensation chamber 40.

[0050] In addition, in the upper part of the body 31, a compressible coil spring 45 is mounted coaxially with the fixed internal block 37 and operates in contrast with the mobile internal block 33.

[0051] The compensation chamber 40 is designed to receive hydraulic fluid, which is supplied through the axial conduit 39 by an accumulation tank (not illustrated), which supplies the liquid and receives the liquid within itself, respectively as a consequence of increases or diminutions in the volume of the compensation chamber 40. These variations are due to the excursions of the mobile block 33 caused by corresponding variations of load on the ball-equipped foot 30, by effect of the centre of gravity of the mobile base 10 shifting during the object handling operations.

[0052] In this connection, the axial conduit 39 fluidly communicates with the accumulation tank with the interposition of a check valve 41, which is illustrated only schematically in figure 5 and is activated by electromagnetic means. The check valve is electrically connected to the control unit and can be operated by the control unit to set the volume of the compensation chamber 40. In this way, the position of the mobile internal block 33, and thus the overall height of the foot 30 with the ball bearing are also set.

[0053] In this way, once the robotic unit 100 has reached a predetermined operating position, the mobile base can be stably blocked in this position, to enable the handling organs to perform the operations of recognising and collecting the objects in an extremely precise way.

[0054] As already stated, the system 1 is modular so that it can adapt to all the possible dimensional and structural requirements of the premises where the automated shop or store is installed.

[0055] In general, it comprises a plurality of the above-mentioned linear guide elements 5, connected to one another by means of a plurality of shunting elements 6.

[0056] As a general rule, in the layout of the shop or store, there will be a monorail guide element 230 parallel to each linear shelving structure 220, and suitable connecting devices between the different elements to allow the handling and conveying unit 100 to move throughout the whole area of the shop or warehouse.

[0057] The system of the present invention provides multiple advantages. In the first place it allows contemporaneous use of a number of robotic units on a same storage structure, since the various units can be distributed throughout the nodes of the guide structure by means of the shunting elements 6.

[0058] Further the robotic units can be made to perform handling operations in a very simple and effective way on both sides of the storage structure.

[0059] A further advantage is the remarkable precision which the drive and positional control devices described above provide for guiding and positioning the mobile base.

[0060] Another advantage is that the position of the base guide, and thus that of the robotic unit, can be made particularly stable.

[0061] Another advantage is that the structural plane thus obtained makes it possible to arrange the entire guide structure resting on the floor 202, without damaging the integrity of the floor 202.

[0062] The above description is intended purely as a non-limiting example. Thus, possible modifications to and variants of the invention are considered to fall within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A moving and stabilising system of a mobile base, comprising a mobile base which is part of robotic handling unit (100) for moving objects in an automated shop or an automated warehouse (200) comprising a plurality of storage units (201) of the objects, and which mobile base (10) comprises a platform (11) which supports organs (110) for recognising and handling the objects, the system being characterised in that it comprises: at least one modular linear guide element (5), which is constrained to a support surface (202) of the shop or store (200), and which guides the mobile base (10) along operating trajectories tracking storage units (201); at least one rotatable shunting element (6), arranged on the support surface (202) at an end of the guide element (5) and designed to reciprocally connect two or more guide elements (5) arranged at a predetermined angle to one another, in order to shunt the mobile base (10) between various linear guide elements (5), or to enable the mobile base (10) to newly engage the linear element at a different orientation thereto; traction and positional control organs (20), arranged in a lower part of the mobile base (10), which convey the mobile base (10) on the guide elements (5) and the shunting elements (6), and define a position of the mobile base (10); stabiliser organs (30), arranged peripherally in a lower part of the mobile base (10), which stabilise the position thereof during the object-handling operations of the robotic unit (100); the mobile base (10) and shunting element (6) being controlled by a computerised control unit, which manages the operation thereof according to the operating requirements of the automated shop or store, wherein
the linear guide element (5) comprises: a structural plane (51), which is arranged resting on the support surface (202), providing the mobile base (10) with a substantially level surface for moving, and providing the stabiliser organs (30) with a support surface; and comprises a monorail profile (55), which is longitudinally constrained to the structural plane (51) and guides the mobile base (10) in a movement direction thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the structural plane (51) comprises at least a lower layer (52) made of a compressible polymer material having a high friction coefficient.

3. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the structural plane (51) comprises a pair of rolling tracks (53), which are arranged longitudinally at sides of the structural plane (51) and support actions of the stabiliser organs (30).

4. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the monorail profile (55) supports a linear power supply distributor (56) providing electric power to the mobile base (10).

5. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the monorail profile (55) exhibits a substantially quadrangular cross-section.

6. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the shunting element (6) comprises a segment of monorail profile (61) arranged horizontally and pivoted centrally at a hub (62) with a vertical axis, which segment of monorail profile (61) receives and rotates the mobile base (10) about the vertical axis, on command of the control unit.

7. The system of claim 6, characterised in that the segment of monorail profile (61) further comprises a gear reducer group (63), which is mechanically connected to the hub (62) and defines rotations of predetermined amplitude of the hub (62) around the aforementioned vertical axis.

8. The system of claim 7, characterised in that the gear motor group (63) is provided with positional control means which continuously monitor the angular position of the monorail profile (61).

9. The system of claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the segment of monorail profile (61) further comprises a segment of linear power supply distributor (64) which supplies electric power to the mobile base (10) when the mobile base (10) is engaged with the shunting element (6).

10. The system of claim 6, characterised in that the segment of monorail profile (61) comprises, near its end, a pair of slidingly ball-bearing groups (65) which support the profile (61) and facilitate the rotation movements thereof.

11. The system of claim 6, characterised in that at least one electromagnetic bolt (66), destined to lock the profile (61) at predetermined operating positions, is further provided in the segment of monorail profile (61).

12. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the shunting element (6) further comprises a portion of structural plane (67), which is arranged below the segment of monorail profile (61), resting on the support surface (202) and providing the mobile base (10) with a substantially level surface on which to move.

13. The system of claim 12, characterised in that the portion of structural plane (67) comprises at least a lower layer (68) made of compressible polymer material having a high friction coefficient.

14. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the drive and positional organs (20) comprise: a pair of drive wheels (21) which are mounted on the lower part of the mobile base (10) in symmetrical positions with respect to the axis of rotation of the mobile base (10); at least a pair of guide wheels (23), mounted on the lower part of the mobile base (10) and operating in contact with lateral surfaces of the linear guide element (5), in order to maintain the position of the mobile base (10); and sensor means (25), electrically connected to the control unit and able to detect deviations of the position of the mobile base (10) from the optimal position thereof.

15. The system of claim 14, characterised in that the drive wheels are motorised independently by position- and torque-controlled motors.

16. The system of claim 14, characterised in that two pairs of guide wheels (23) are provided, each pair being arranged with the wheels facing each other on opposite surfaces of the guide element (5), the two pairs being arranged at the front and rear parts of the mobile base (10).

17. The system of claim 15 or 16, characterised in that each of the guide wheels (23) is mounted on a support (24) which extends from the lower surface of the mobile base (10), and is idle in rotation about a vertical axis.

18. The system of claim 15, characterised in that the sensor means (25) comprise for each of the guide wheels at least one extensometer, which detects deformations of the supports (24) of the guide wheels to enable compensation for deviations from an ideal trajectory

19. The system of claim 1, characterised in that the stabiliser organs (30) comprise a plurality of excursion lockable ball bearing feet.

20. The system of claim 19, characterised in that four or the ball bearing feet (30) are provided at the corners of the mobile base (10).

21. The system of claim 19 or 20, characterised in that each of the ball bearing feet (30) comprises: a body (31) which is internally hollow, superiorly provided with a flange (32) which enables constraining thereof to the lower surface of the mobile base (10); an internal mobile block (33) inferiorly exhibiting a cavity (34) housing a support sphere (35) with a plurality of rolling balls (36) interposed, the upper part (36a) of the mobile block (33) being internally hollow; an internal fixed block (37), which is mounted coaxially to the body (31) and internally provided with an axial through-conduit (39), the lower part of the fixed internal block (37) being slidingly inserted in the hollow upper part (36a), thus defining a compensation chamber (40), which receives hydraulic fluid through the axial through-conduit (39); a compression spring (45), which is mounted coaxially to the fixed internal block (37) and acts in contrast with the mobile internal block (33).

22. The system of claim 21, characterised in that each of the ball bearing feet (30) further comprises a check valve (41) set in fluid communication with the axial through-conduit (39) and with a hydraulic fluid accumulation tank, which check valve (41) can be operated by the control unit to set a position of the mobile internal block (33) and stabilise the mobile base (10).

23. The system of claim 1, characterised in that it includes a plurality of the linear guide elements (5) reciprocally connected by a plurality of the shunting elements (6).

Ansprüche

1. System zum Bewegen und Stabilisieren einer mobilen Basis, welches eine mobile Basis beinhaltet, die Teil einer robotisierten Handling-Einheit (100) zum Bewegen von Gegenständen in einer automatisierten Verkaufsstelle oder einem automatisierten Lager (200) ist, das mehrere Lagereinheiten (201) zum Lagern der Gegenstände beinhaltet, wobei diese mobile Basis (10) eine Plattform (11) beinhaltet, die Organe (110) zur Erkennung und Handhabung der Gegenstände trägt, und wobei das System dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass es Folgendes beinhaltet:

zumindest ein modulares lineares Führungselement (5), das an einer tragenden Oberfläche (202) der Verkaufsstelle oder des Lagers (200) festgelegt ist und das die mobile Basis (10) Arbeitswege entlang führt, die den Lagereinheiten (201) folgen; zumindest ein drehbares Rangierelement (6), das auf der tragenden Oberfläche (202) an einem Ende des Führungselements (5) angeordnet und dafür bestimmt ist, zwei oder mehrere Führungselements (5), die in einem vorbestimmten Winkel zueinander angeordnet sind, miteinander zu verbinden, um die mobile Basis (10) zwischen verschiedenen linearen Führungselementen (5) umzuleiten, oder es der mobilen Basis (10) zu ermöglichen, erneut aber mit einer anderen Ausrichtung mit dem linearen Element in Eingriff zu treten; Organe für den Antrieb und die Positionssteuerung (20), die in einem unteren Teil der mobilen Basis (10) angeordnet sind und welche die mobile Basis (10) auf den Führungselementen (5) und den Rangierelementen (6) führen und auch die Position der mobilen Basis (10) definieren; Stabilisierungsorgane (30), die peripher in einem unteren Teil der mobilen Basis (10) angeordnet sind und die zum Stabilisieren von deren Position während der Arbeitsvorgänge zur Handhabung der Gegenstände durch die robotisierte Einheit (100) dienen; wobei die mobile Basis (10) und das Rangierelement (6) von einer computergestützten Steuereinheit gesteuert werden, welche deren Betrieb entsprechend der Arbeitsanforderungen der automatisierten Verkaufsstelle bzw. des automatisierten Lagers verwaltet, worin

das lineare Führungselement (5) eine Strukturebene (51) beinhaltet, die auf der tragenden Oberfläche (202) aufliegend angeordnet ist, um der mobilen Basis (10) eine im Wesentlichen ebene Bewegungsoberfläche bereitzustellen, und um den Stabilisierungsorganen (30) eine tragende Oberfläche bereitzustellen; und ferner ein Einschienenprofil (55) beinhaltet, das längsgerichtet an der Strukturebene (51) festgelegt ist und dazu dient, die mobile Basis (10) in ihrer Bewegungsrichtung zu führen.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Strukturebene (51) zumindest eine untere Schicht (52) beinhaltet, die aus einem komprimierbaren Polymermaterial gefertigt ist, das einen hohen Reibungskoeffizienten aufweist.

3. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Strukturebene (51) ein Paar Rollbahnen (53) beinhaltet, die längsgerichtet an den Seiten der Strukturebene (51) angeordnet sind und dazu dienen, die Wirkung der Stabilisierungsorgane (30) zu unterstützen.

4. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einschienenprofil (55) einen linearen Stromversorgungsverteiler (56) trägt, der die mobile Basis (10) mit elektrischer Energie versorgt.

5. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einschienenprofil (55) einen im Wesentlichen viereckigen Querschnitt aufweist.

6. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rangierelement (6) ein Einschienenprofilsegment (61) beinhaltet, das horizontal angeordnet ist und drehbeweglich mittig auf einer Nabe (62) mit vertikaler Achse gelagert ist, wobei dieses Einschienenprofilsegment (61) dazu bestimmt ist, die mobile Basis (10) aufzunehmen und um die vertikale Achse zu drehen, sobald von der Steuereinheit ein entsprechender Steuerbefehl erteilt wird.

7. System nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einschienenprofilsegment (61) ferner eine Getriebemotorgruppe (63) beinhaltet, die mechanisch mit der Nabe (62) verbunden ist und dazu dient, Drehungen vorbestimmten Umfangs der Nabe (62) um die genannte vertikale Achse zu definieren.

8. System nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Getriebemotorgruppe (63) mit Positionssteuerungsmitteln ausgestattet ist, die kontinuierlich die Winkelposition des Einschienenprofilsegments (61) überwachen.

9. System nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einschienenprofilsegment (61) ferner ein lineares Stromversorgungsverteilersegment (64) beinhaltet, das die mobile Basis (10) mit elektrischer Energie versorgt, wenn die mobile Basis (10) mit dem Rangierelement (6) in Eingriff steht.

10. System nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einschienenprofilsegment (61) nahe an seinen Enden ein Paar Gleitlagereinheiten mit Kugelrollen (65) beinhaltet, die das Einschienenprofilsegment (61) tragen und dessen Drehbewegungen erleichtern.

11. System nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass am dem Einschienenprofilsegment (61) ferner zumindest ein elektromagnetischer Riegel (66) vorgesehen ist, um das Einschienenprofilsegment (61) an vorbestimmten Arbeitspositionen zu verriegeln.

12. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rangierelement (6) ferner einen Strukturebenenabschnitt (67) beinhaltet, der unterhalb des Einschienenprofilsegments (61) angeordnet ist, auf der tragenden Oberfläche (202) aufliegt und der mobilen Basis (10) eine im Wesentlichen ebene Bewegungsoberfläche bereitstellt.

13. System nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Strukturebenenabschnitt (67) zumindest eine untere Schicht (68) beinhaltet, die aus einem komprimierbaren Polymermaterial gefertigt ist, das einen hohen Reibungskoeffizienten aufweist.

14. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Organe für den Antrieb und die Positionssteuerung (20) Folgendes beinhalten: ein Paar Antriebsräder (21), die am unteren Teil der mobilen Basis (10) in symmetrischen Positionen relativ zu der Drehachse der mobilen Basis (10) montiert sind; zumindest ein Paar Führungsräder (23), die am unteren Teil der mobilen Basis (10) montiert sind und dazu dienen, berührend an den seitlichen Oberflächen des linearen Führungselementes (5) anliegend so zu wirken, dass die Position der mobilen Basis (10) beibehalten wird; und Sensormittel (25), die elektrisch mit der Steuereinheit verbunden und in der Lage sind, Positionsabweichungen der mobilen Basis (10) von deren optimaler Position zu erkennen.

15. System nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Antriebsräder unabhängig voneinander durch Motoren mit Positions- und Drehmomentsteuerung angetrieben werden.

16. System nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwei Paare von Führungsrädern (23) bereitgestellt werden, wobei jedes Paar so angeordnet ist, dass sich seine Räder jeweils einander zugewandt auf entgegengesetzten Oberflächen des Führungselements (5) gegenüberliegen, und wobei die Paare jeweils am vorderen Teil beziehungsweise am hinteren Teil der mobilen Basis (10) angeordnet sind.

17. System nach Anspruch 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes der Führungsräder (23) auf einem Träger (24) montiert ist, der sich von der unteren Oberfläche der mobilen Basis (10) aus erstreckt und antriebslos um eine vertikale Achse drehbar ist.

18. System nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sensormittel (25) für jedes der Führungsräder zumindest ein Extensometer (Dehnungsmesser) beinhaltet, das Verformungen der Träger (24) der Führungsräder erkennt, um den Ausgleich von Abweichungen von einer idealen Bewegungsbahn zu ermöglichen.

19. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stabilisierungsorgane (30) mehrere Kugelrollenfüße mit blockierbarem Ausschlag beinhalten.

20. System nach Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass vier der Kugelrollenfüße (30) an den Ecken der mobilen Basis (10) vorgesehen sind.

21. System nach Anspruch 19 oder 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder der Kugelrollenfüße (30) Folgendes beinhaltet: ein Gehäuse (31), das innen hohl ist und oben einen Flansch (32) aufweist, der die Befestigung an der unteren Oberfläche der mobilen Basis (10) ermöglicht; einen inneren beweglichen Block (33), der an seiner Unterseite einen Hohlraum (34) aufweist, in dem eine tragende Kugel (35) mit mehreren zwischenliegenden Laufkugeln (36) untergebracht ist, wobei der obere Teil (36a) des beweglichen Blocks (33) innen hohl ist; einen inneren feststehenden Block (37), der koaxial zu dem Gehäuse (31) montiert ist und innen einen axialen durchgehenden Kanal (39) aufweist, wobei der untere Teil des feststehenden inneren Blocks (37) gleitbar in den hohlen oberen Teil (36a) eingeführt ist, um somit eine Ausgleichskammer (40) zu bilden, die dazu bestimmt ist, über den axialen durchgehenden Kanal (39) Hydraulikflüssigkeit zu empfangen; eine Kompressionsfeder (45), die koaxial zu dem feststehenden inneren Block (37) montiert ist und dem beweglichen inneren Block (33) entgegenwirkt.

22. System nach Anspruch 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder der Kugelrollenfüße (30) ferner ein Absperrventil (41) beinhaltet, das in Fluidverbindung mit dem axialen durchgehenden Kanal (39) und mit einem Sammeltank für Hydraulikflüssigkeit gesetzt ist, wobei dieses Absperrventil (41) von der Steuereinheit angesteuert werden kann, um eine Position des beweglichen inneren Blocks (33) festzulegen und so die mobile Basis (10) zu stabilisieren.

23. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es mehrere der linearen Führungselemente (5) beinhaltet, die über mehrere der Rangierelemente (6) miteinander verbunden sind.

Revendications

1. Un système de déplacement et de stabilisation d'une base mobile, comprenant une base mobile qui fait partie d'une unité robotisée de manipulation (100) pour déplacer des objets dans un magasin automatisé ou un entrepôt automatisé (200) comprenant une pluralité d'unités (201) de stockage des objets, et ladite base mobile (10) comprend une plateforme (11) qui supporte des organes (110) destinés à reconnaître et à manipuler les objets, le système étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

au moins un élément de guidage linéaire (5), modulaire, qui est assujetti à une surface de support (202) du magasin ou entrepôt (200), et qui guide la base mobile (10) le long de trajectoires opérationnelles qui suivent les unités de stockage (201) ; au moins un élément de manoeuvre (6) rotatif, disposé sur la surface de support (202) au niveau d'une extrémité de l'élément de guidage (5) et destiné à relier réciproquement deux ou plus éléments de guidage (5) disposés à un angle prédéfini l'un par rapport à l'autre, de manière à manoeuvrer la base mobile (10) entre divers éléments de guidage linéaire (5), ou pour permettre à la base mobile (10) de venir nouvellement en prise avec l'élément linéaire à une orientation différente ; des organes de traction et de contrôle positionnel (20), disposés dans une partie inférieure de la base mobile (10), qui transportent ladite base mobile (10) sur les éléments de guidage (5) et les éléments de manoeuvre (6), et définissent une position de la base mobile (10) elle-même ; des organes de stabilisation (30), disposés périphériquement dans une partie inférieure de la base mobile (10), qui stabilisent la position de celle-ci pendant les opérations de manipulation d'objets de l'unité robotisée (100) ; la base mobile (10) et l'élément de manoeuvre (6) étant asservis à une unité de contrôle informatisée, qui gère le fonctionnement de ceux-ci selon les exigences opérationnelles du magasin ou entrepôt automatisé, où

l'élément de guidage linéaire (5) comprend : un plan structurel (51), qui est disposé en appui sur la surface de support (202), fournissant à la base mobile (10) une surface de déplacement essentiellement plane, et fournissant aux organes de stabilisation (30) une surface de support ; et

comprend un profilé monorail (55), qui est longitudinalement assujetti au plan structurel (51) et guide la base mobile (10) dans une direction de déplacement de celle-ci.

2. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le plan structurel (51) comprend au moins une couche inférieure (52) réalisée dans un matériau polymère compressible à haut coefficient de frottement.

3. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le plan structurel (51) comprend une paire de pistes de roulement (53), qui sont disposées longitudinalement sur des côtés dudit plan structurel (51) et supportent l'action des organes de stabilisation (30).

4. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le profilé monorail (55) supporte un distributeur d'alimentation électrique linéaire (56) fournissant l'alimentation électrique à la base mobile (10).

5. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le profilé monorail (55) présente une section essentiellement quadrangulaire.

6. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de manoeuvre (6) comprend un segment de profilé monorail (61) disposé horizontalement et monté de façon pivotante au niveau d'un moyeu (62) à axe vertical, ledit segment de profilé monorail (61) reçoit et tourne la base mobile (10) autour dudit axe vertical, sur commande de l'unité de contrôle.

7. Le système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le segment de profilé monorail (61) comprend en outre un groupe réducteur à engrenage (63), qui est relié mécaniquement au moyeu (62) et définit des rotations d'amplitude prédéfinie de ce même moyeu (62) autour de l'axe vertical susmentionné.

8. Le système selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le groupe réducteur à engrenage (63) est doté de moyens de contrôle positionnel qui surveillent en permanence la position angulaire du segment de profilé monorail (61).

9. Le système selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que le segment de profilé monorail (61) comprend en outre un segment de distributeur d'alimentation électrique linéaire (64) qui fournit l'alimentation électrique à la base mobile (10) quand cette même base mobile (10) est en prise avec l'élément de manoeuvre (6).

10. Le système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le segment de profilé monorail (61) comprend, à côté de ses extrémités, une paire de groupes de coulissement à billes (65) qui supportent ledit segment de profilé monorail (61) et facilitent les mouvements de rotation de celui-ci.

11. Le système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un verrou électromagnétique (66), destiné à verrouiller le segment de profilé monorail (61) au niveau de positions opérationnelles prédéfinies, est en outre prévu dans ledit segment de profilé monorail (61).

12. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de manoeuvre (6) comprend en outre une portion de plan structurel (67), qui est disposée sous le segment de profilé monorail (61), en appui sur la surface de support (202) et fournissant à la base mobile (10) une surface de déplacement essentiellement plane.

13. Le système selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la portion de plan structurel (67) comprend au moins une couche inférieure (68) réalisée dans un matériau polymère compressible à haut coefficient de frottement.

14. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les organes de traction et de contrôle positionnel (20) comprennent : une paire de roues motrices (21) qui sont montées sur la partie inférieure de la base mobile (10) dans des positions symétriques par rapport à l'axe de rotation de la base mobile (10) elle-même ; au moins une paire de roues de guidage (23), montées sur la partie inférieure de la base mobile (10) et opérant en contact avec des surfaces latérales de l'élément de guidage linéaire (5), de manière à maintenir la position de la base mobile (10) ; et des moyens capteurs (25), reliés électriquement à l'unité de contrôle et destinés à détecter des écarts de position de la base mobile (10) par rapport à la position optimale de celle-ci.

15. Le système selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que les roues motrices sont motorisées indépendamment par des moteurs contrôlés en position et en couple.

16. Le système selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que deux paires de roues de guidage (23) sont prévues, chaque paire étant disposée avec les roues les unes en face des autres sur des surfaces opposées de l'élément de guidage (5), les deux paires étant disposées au niveau des parties avant et arrière de la base mobile (10).

17. Le système selon la revendication 15 ou 16, caractérisé en ce que chacune des roues de guidage (23) est montée sur un support (24) qui s'étend à partir de la surface inférieure de la base mobile (10), et est dotée d'une rotation libre autour d'un axe vertical.

18. Le système selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que les moyens capteurs (25) comprennent pour chacune des roues de guidage au moins un extensomètre, qui détecte des déformations des supports (24) des roues de guidage pour permettre une compensation des écarts par rapport à une trajectoire idéale.

19. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les organes de stabilisation (30) comprennent une pluralité de pieds presseurs à billes à excursion blocable.

20. Le système selon la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que quatre des pieds presseurs à billes (30) sont prévus au niveau des angles de la base mobile (10).

21. Le système selon la revendication 19 ou 20, caractérisé en ce que chacun des pieds presseurs à billes (30) comprend : un corps (31) qui est intérieurement creux, doté supérieurement d'une bride (32) qui en permet la fixation à la surface inférieure de la base mobile (10); un bloc mobile intérieur (33) présentant intérieurement une cavité (34) logeant une bille de support (35) avec une pluralité de billes de roulement (36) interposées, la partie supérieure (36a) du bloc mobile (33) étant intérieurement creuse ; un bloc fixe intérieur (37), qui est monté coaxialement au corps (31) et doté intérieurement d'un conduit axial débouchant (39), la partie inférieure du bloc fixe intérieur (37) étant insérée de façon coulissante dans la partie supérieure creuse (36a), définissant ainsi une chambre de compensation (40), qui reçoit un fluide hydraulique à travers le conduit axial débouchant (39); un ressort à compression (45), qui est monté coaxialement au bloc fixe intérieur (37) et agit en opposition avec le bloc mobile intérieur (33).

22. Le système selon la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce que chacun des pieds presseurs à billes (30) comprend en outre un clapet de non-retour (41) mis en communication de fluide avec le conduit axial débouchant (39) et avec un réservoir d'accumulation de fluide hydraulique, ledit clapet de non-retour (41) peut être actionné par l'unité de contrôle pour définir une position du bloc mobile intérieur (33) et stabiliser la base mobile (10).

23. Le système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une pluralité d'éléments de guidage linéaire (5) réciproquement reliés par une pluralité desdits éléments de manoeuvre (6).

Drawing